Looking for a quick, easy weekend getaway? Check out Ardmore, Oklahoma, where you can experience Turner Falls & Lake Murray and embark on a fun weekend adventure!
Ardmore, Oklahoma, is less than two hours by car from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. It is home to Lake Murray State Park, Oklahoma's largest and busiest state park, as well as Turner Falls, a popular outdoor area that offers up lots of water-based activities and excitement.
I recently wrote an article about this sweet spot for TexsCampgrounds, and my good friend Kara took her kids here for a weekend escape with her family of four. She offered up a few tips on how to escape to Lake Murray for the weekend and make the most of your time at Lake Murray!
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| Ready for fun at Lake Murray. |
Things to do at Lake Murray in Oklahoma:
Lake Murray is considered the cleanest lake in Oklahoma. The area is big for tourists because it offers a plethora of things to do with guests of all ages. Whether you are wanting a weekend retreat with your SO or a family getaway with kids, you'll find something to do that will be fun for everyone. When you plan a getaway across the Red River, the hardest part will be choosing which of the fun activities you want to check out! From horseback riding to scuba diving, Lake Murray offers a close-to-home but oh-so-fun vacation for all guests.
Good to know: There are parts of Lake Murray where you may be required to wear a life jacket. You can bring your own or borrow once you arrive. Cost is $10 per car to enter Lake Murray State Park.
- Snorkel and scuba dive: Scuba diving in Oklahoma- who knew?! Lake Murray is, according to divers, a great spot to explore underwater. Guests who wish to explore the lake from the surface will enjoy snorkeling to see all of the fish that live in this body of water. Marietta Landing at Lake Murray is the spot to start your underwater adventure.
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| Ready to snorkel at Lake Murray. |
- Watersports: For those who want to explore the water by vessel, you can rent boats and more at Lake Murray. My girls love to ride around on jet skis, exploring the water at high speed. If kayaks and canoes are more your thing, those available to rent, too. Lake Murray Watersports also offers a play area in the water that enables you to stay close to dry land while playing on trampolines and other stationary structures (this area is $10 per hour per person). Feel free to pack your own food- you can purchase sno cones and snacks on-site but no meal-time food.
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| Watersports at Lake Murray. |
- Fishing: Hoping to catch your dinner? Lake Murray is a great spot to fish for large and small-mouthed bass as well as catfish. You can fish on your own or seek out a guide or service that will help you learn the tricks of the trade.
Turner Falls, Oklahoma
This popular area, home of Oklahoma's largest waterfall, gets busy during the warmer months, so be sure to be prepared before your trip! With a spring-fed creek with waterfalls, areas for hiking and playing and a large castle to climb up, Turner Falls, the oldest park in Oklahoma, is great for a day of fun. The park has been a recreational area since 1868 and offers waterfalls as well as two swimming holes that provide hours of fun!
Good to know: Admission, on the weekends, is $20 per adult and $16 per kid (children younger than 5 are always free). It is slightly cheaper on the weekdays. The summer season runs from May 1- September 30. It can get crowded, and daily admission tickets may sell out, so consider buying in advance online if you are able.
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| The waterfall at Turner Falls. |
Tips from Kara for a great day:
- Hike up the castle. It's run down but neat to see from the top! The castle is easy to access and was built in the 1930s by the Dean of Education from the University of Oklahoma.
- Turner Falls is set on three levels. All three levels offer food, fun and parking. Level two has a waterfall and level one has a large swimming area with a diving board a lifeguard. All three levels have smaller waterfalls. Anyone younger than 12 is required to wear a life jacket, which is not provided so bring your own. Also worth bringing- your own tubes to play in. You can purchase some at Turner Falls, but there are none available for rent.
- Parking can be tricky! Kara's advice: Bring your own food and pay to park. If you park in free parking, you can take a horse-drawn carriage for $6 per person or walk. The walk isn't long, just hot. Feel free to bring your own food to avoid the lines to get food. Kara did this and recommends it!